question_answer

Explain any four causes of ethnic conflict in Sri Lanka.

Answer:

The ethnic conflict in Sri Lanka has many root causes and consequences that are closely interlinked. However, given its complexities, it should not be assumed that these causes are part of linear historical processes where one event led to another. Often many of the issues that may be regarded as root causes arose within a single but extended context and equally as often, simultaneously. It is primarily within the context of ethnic politics that language and education policy can be located. However, for discussion purposes it is necessary to separate these issues as clearly identifiable themes that would emerge in any analysis of the Sri Lankan conflict. In general, these themes can be broadly identified as:

(a) Ethnic politics and the interpretation of the past;

(b) Politics of language;

(c) Politics of education; and

(d) Other factors, including employment and land.